SECAUCUS, New Jersey. May 19, 2020 (Biz Republic) — The Hudson County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the creation of its new council, the Women of Commerce in Hudson County, an inclusive networking group primarily focused on supporting women who conduct business in and around the New Jersey/New York metro area. Its mission is to develop a generation of diverse women who are dedicated to gaining excellence in their respective professions and championing a stronger economic vision for New Jersey.
“We are hopeful that the Women of Commerce is launching at a time when they are needed most, as their goals truly align with the country’s growing sentiment of businesses looking to innovate with the current times. They will create great value by driving even more opportunities for the good of all businesses,” said Maria L. Nieves, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce.
“Anyone looking to build future local economic partnerships and increase their network resources will be in very good company. These women have been hard at work forming the council and strategizing its ideals since January 2020, not allowing COVID-19 to stand in their way, speaks to our commitment towards helping one another through the eye of the storm.”
In an effort to support members’ professional development, the council is creating unique educational initiatives, events, and a new Women’s Leadership Program for Entrepreneurs. Part of the outreach will include producing exclusive content for a new podcast that will launch mid-summer, and videos for Youtube TV. The topics will focus on women leaders in New Jersey, innovations in technology, and tackling the real hidden modern challenges women face, like: loneliness in executive positions, entrepreneurship stress and isolation, balancing wellness.
With the lockdown extended for all non-essential businesses in order to slow the COVID-19 outbreak; WOC will host a series of 60-minute virtual zoominar events and workshops focused on solutions to its members’ current experiences. WOC is part of the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, but its membership is independent from the Chamber. These zoominars are open to the public.
WOC is co-chaired by Melissa Rosario, Director of Memberships & Finance at the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, and Elki Camacho, the Principal and CEO of Elki Consulting Group, Board Member for Hudson County Chamber of Commerce. The founding members for the Women of Commerce are as follows:
Heidi Castrillon, President & CEO, Biz Republic; Diana Pombo, Assistant Vice President of Business Relations, Haven Savings Bank; Lissa Wells, Transformation Coach & VP, Basics Builders; Jordania Rodriguez, Vice President & Senior Branch Manager, M&T Bank; Kylie Rice, Personal Risk Specialist, USI Insurance Services; Andrea M. Garcia, Co-Founder & CEO of COMMS/NATION, a boutique full-service PR + Creative Design agency.
